We recently connected with Joseph Rubino and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph , thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

In the dynamic and ever-evolving realm of digital entertainment, I embarked on a quest to forge an unprecedented frontier that transcends the boundaries of video games and transmedia. Within the esteemed realm of NetEase Games, I have spearheaded the creation of a revolutionary division—a fully integrated, dynamic, and next-generation force in cinematic excellence and storytelling prowess.

While NetEase Games is currently making its mark on the North American AAA landscape, do not be deceived by its new presence. Behind the veil lies a venerable game development powerhouse, boasting unrivaled expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the gaming community. As the visionary head of this groundbreaking cinematics and storytelling division, my mission is to redefine the discourse surrounding runtime cinematics and take center stage at the vanguard of bleeding-edge technologies and processes.

The anticipation grows within us, as we await the moment to share more with you. Rest assured, we are immersed in a myriad of ambitious projects that will astound the world. Prepare to be captivated, as our unrivaled creations are destined to leave an indelible mark on the very fabric of interactive storytelling and the video game industry.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Deep within the depths of our hearts, a fire of passion burns brightly. For me, it’s an itch that simply cannot be ignored. It’s a relentless drive to conquer the impossible, overcome obstacles, and establish new norms. Let me try to explain who I am. As soon as my feet touch the ground in the morning, I embark on a journey filled with exhilarating challenges in the realm of technology, storytelling, and team building.

But who am I, you ask? I’m just a kid from New York who dared to try, stumbled, and tried again. Failure became my companion, pushing me to keep going until one day, everything fell into place. Along the way, someone wise shared with me an unforgettable piece of advice: “Comfort is the enemy of greatness.” Those words struck a chord deep within me, propelling me to push beyond my limits and strive for greatness. The amazing thing is, this attitude is contagious—it inspires and motivates the teams and individuals around me.

My goal is not to be the best, but rather to redefine what it truly means to be the best. That’s the essence of who I am—a person who dares to dream big, challenge the status quo, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The true joy of my work lies in witnessing the profound impact it has on people—fans, gamers, and all those who seek solace and immersion in the world of entertainment. It is immensely rewarding to provide an outlet for escapism and deliver exceptional storytelling. For me, the ultimate measure of success is when a player or viewer can tangibly sense the unwavering passion, love, and problem-solving that have been poured into every single moment.

Allow me to share a personal anecdote from my earlier years. Picture a film premiere in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant East Village. As a young director, I found myself in a rather challenging situation—I was positioned too close to the stage, with an unfortunate angle to fully appreciate the screen. In effect, I experienced the film vicariously through the reactions and emotions of the audience. This pivotal moment became a conscious awakening, revealing to me the significance of “getting into the minds and hearts” of viewers as a storyteller. It was an invaluable lesson that forever altered my approach.

To know that I have contributed to even a fleeting moment of joy or stirred up a potent emotion is incredibly fulfilling. It is a profound honor to be part of the intricate process that forges connections between individuals and cultivates shared experiences. Witnessing the impact of my work, as it resonates within the hearts and minds of others, is a reward that surpasses all else. It fuels my drive to continue crafting narratives that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on those who partake in the journeys we create.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Let me take you on a personal journey through the influences that have colored my creative life. Picture the mesmerizing films of John Carpenter, including “The Thing” and “They Live,” or the mind-bending spectacles crafted by Paul Verhoeven in “Total Recall,” “Robocop,” and “Starship Troopers.” And who could forget the unforgettable storytelling of Quentin Tarantino in “Pulp Fiction” or the gritty realism of Martin Scorsese’s “Casino” and “Goodfellas”? These movies, among many others, have left an indelible mark on my artistic soul.

When it comes to the magic of cinematography, the names Emmanuel Lubezki, Roger Deakins, and Michael Ballhaus shine brightly in my mind. Their mastery of visual storytelling has ignited my own creative aspirations, shaping the way I perceive and capture the world around me.

In the realm of gaming, there are certain titles that have rocked my world. The original “Deus Ex,” the groundbreaking “Half-Life,” the immersive worlds of “Mass Effect” and “Bioshock,” the freedom of the “Grand Theft Auto” series, the thrilling adventures of “Uncharted” and “The Last of Us,” the exhilarating races in “Midnight Club,” and the epic battles of the “Battlefield” series have all left an everlasting impact on me.

But it doesn’t end there—books have played a significant role in shaping my creative spirit. Ursula Le Guin’s thought-provoking “The Dispossessed,” Jim Kwik’s empowering “Limitless,” the insightful exploration of “The 5 C’s of Cinematography,” the fascinating dive into “The Adam and Eve Story: History of Cataclysms,” the mind-bending exploration of “The Singularity,” Ray Bradbury’s timeless classic “Fahrenheit 451,” Neal Stephenson’s thought-provoking “Snow Crash,” and H.G. Wells’ visionary masterpiece “The Time Machine” have all lit a fire within me.

These influences, ranging from films to games to literature, have shaped my creative journey, fueling my passion and pushing me to express myself in new and exciting ways. They have become the heart and soul of my artistic vision, guiding me as I strive to leave my own mark on the world of storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.neteasegames.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyrubs/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephrubino/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/josephrubino